Blue Rose sex shop in Kentish Town faces licence review over illegal Sildenafil sales

A Kentish Town sex shop faces losing its licence after Metropolitan Police officers found it selling unlicensed Sildenafil pills, including doses twice the recommended maximum. Blue Rose, on Kentish Town Road, has held a sex establishment licence for over a decade but now risks closure following two police inspections this year.

PC Christopher Malone, a Met Licensing Officer, reported seizing large quantities of the erectile dysfunction drug during visits to the shop. The pills were stored in tin containers and sold over the counter by staff who were not doctors or pharmacists, which is illegal under UK medicine regulations.

Health risks and unauthorised staff

The seized Sildenafil included 200mg tablets, double the 100mg daily limit. PC Malone warned in his report that such doses could cause fatal heart problems, particularly for people with pre-existing conditions. The shop also sold poppers, which can dangerously lower blood pressure if mixed with Sildenafil or other drugs.

During both police visits, the staff member on duty was not listed on the premises licence and could not provide the required incident log. PC Malone said the employee had no medical training and could sell the pills to anyone, regardless of age or health. MyLondon reported the staff member was an unknown male during both inspections.

On the second visit in May, police planned to seize the drugs and interview the owner but found the shop operating with another unauthorised male employee. Officers shut the premises and removed all Sildenafil and poppers. Camden Council’s licensing team later inspected the shop in June and found it compliant with amended conditions.

Resident complaint and next steps

A local resident has objected to the shop’s licence renewal, citing offensive signage in an area with many school-aged children. The complaint was noted in council documents, though the specific concerns about the signage were not detailed.

Camden’s Licensing Sub-Committee will hear the case on 6 August. The committee will consider the police evidence, the resident’s complaint, and the shop’s compliance record before deciding whether to renew, revoke, or impose new conditions on the licence.

Residents can submit representations to the Licensing Sub-Committee before the hearing. Written objections or support must be sent to Camden Council’s licensing team by 5 August. The committee’s decision will be published on the council’s website after the meeting.